Use of Telemedicine in the Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy in a US Veteran During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this case study was to describe the diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy through telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinical Features

A 57-year-old male patient was evaluated at a Veterans Affairs chiropractic clinic via video telemedicine for evaluation regarding neck pain and bilateral arm paresthesia.

Intervention and Outcome

During the initial evaluation performed by video telemedicine, the doctor of chiropractic was concerned about the possibility of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. This prompted a face-to-face consultation with the patient for further evaluation. The face-to-face evaluation revealed correlating objective findings, including brisk reflexes and transient clonus. Noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine was performed, which showed evidence of cord compression with associated myelomalacia in the cervical spine at the C4-C5 level. After a neurosurgical consultation, the patient underwent successful anterior cervical decompression and fusion at the C4-C5 level.

Conclusion

Chiropractic services through live video telemedicine in conjunction with face-to-face evaluation resulted in a timely neurosurgical consultation and successful decompression of the affected region. In this case, telemedicine facilitated a positive outcome for a patient with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.